‘Dakan’ statue in Melanau traditional healing rituals. [Newspaper] (2022)
Abstract
MUKAH: A method of using puppets known as ‘belum’ in Dalat Melanau dialect and ‘dakan’ in Mukah Melanau dialect used to play a significant role as a traditional healing treatment for various diseases.
These puppets were part of the Melanau’s traditional healing rituals once upon a time and are still used by some pagan (no religion yet) members of the Melanau community.
However, each of them has a different carving pattern with a role of its own.
Dakan or belum is a statue made of tree branches that is carved using a wooden knife and the material is from the flesh of the sago tree known as ‘betok balau’ and ‘balau’ leather can also be used to carve the statue.
| Item Type: | Newspaper |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Melanau community, Traditional healing, Puppets, Dakan |
| Taxonomy: | By Niche > Ethnology > Melanau (Malaysian People) > Rites and Ceremonies |
| Local Content Hub: | Niche > Melanau |
| Depositing User: | Jamil Jawi |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Jun 2023 09:03 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Jun 2023 09:03 |
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